Spider veins, those small but noticeable red and blue blood vessels, are thought to occur as a result of slow blood flow and weakened walls in the veins. Although both men and women are afflicted, women are more prone to get spider veins. The following steps may help you reduce your chances of getting them.
Exercise regularly. Walking is good for the legs because it increases circulation.
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Avoid standing in one place for a long period of time. If your job requires that you must, such as for a bank teller or grocery clerk, wear mild compression hose. These types of hose help blood pump more efficiently back to the heart.
3
Maintain ideal body weight. Too much weight causes the entire circulatory system to work harder, which in turn increases the inside pressure of the leg veins.
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Keep your legs uncrossed when sitting. Crossing legs slows the upward flow of blood back to the heart and increases the pressure on the insides of the leg veins.
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Avoid high heels. The undue stress they put on your lower legs can cause a constriction in blood flow from the leg back to the heart.
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Raise your legs up 6 to 12 inches above your heart when you are lying down. This allows the blood in the lower legs to flow easily back to the heart, and lessens the work of the valves. Think of it as a kind of respite for your lower legs.
Tips & Warnings
Women are more prone to spider veins than men, possibly because the superficial veins are closer to the surface of the skin and therefore more noticeable. Treatments are available to remove them, but your best bet is to try to prevent them in the first place.
Keep in mind that 60 percent to 80 percent of people with spider veins have a mother with a history of same.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
Many people believe certain physical exercises help treat spider veins by promoting circulation and strengthening veins. These exercises are generally leg centered...
